Last summer, the Toffees were considered as one of the potential destinations for Weston McKennie as the USMNT international pushed for a Schalke 04 exit. The midfielder was linked to Everton but he eventually moved to Juventus on a season long loan with an obligation to buy.
The 22 year old has had a bright start to life in Turin, playing 46 games and scoring six goals in his first season for the Old Lady. He has been a solid option for Bianconeri, especially coming off the bench. McKennie has thrived in his first season but he could leave Juventus after just one season as English clubs are circling.
According to Football Italia, Juve boss Max Allegri is not convinced with the 22 year old and the former Schalke man doesn’t feature in the manager’s plans, hence, the prospect of McKennie leaving Juventus has emerged. Everton, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur are said to be the interested parties.
Juve paid €18.5 million for McKennie but following a successful season at the Allianz Stadium, the Old Lady expect at least a €30 million offer to sanction the sale. The Bianconeri have already signed Manuel Locatelli on loan and could move for another midfielder should the USMNT man leave before the end of the transfer window.
Juventus identify Axel Witsel as Everton target Weston McKennie replacement
As per Calciomercato, Juventus have identified their target if McKennie is to leave the club. The Serie A giants will turn to one of their old targets, Axel Witsel, who currently plies his trade in Germany with Borussia Dortmund.
Out of the three Premier League clubs, Aston Villa seem to be the most interested in acquiring the midfielder’s services. Fabio Paratici is familiar with McKennie as he was the one who signed the midfielder from Schalke last year and is now eyeing the player for the North Londoners.
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On the other hand, Everton are supposedly looking for a midfielder in the market as links to Matheus Nunes have been doing rounds all summer. Unfortunately, the move seems to have stalled and eventually collapsed as the Brazilian is likely to stay at Sporting. It remains to be seen, whether the Royal Blues are in a position to shell out €30 million as Financial Fair Play regulations have crippled Everton’s movement in the transfer window.
McKennie can operate as a holding midfielder and has fantastic box-to-box midfield qualities. The 22 year old has managed is highly praised for his work rate. McKennie’s abilities complement his team in offensive as well as defensive transitions. At 22, he’s rated highly and is considered as one of the best young midfielders in Europe. Should the USMNT star leave Juventus, he’ll be a huge coup for the team that acquires his services.
Should the Toffees push to sign Weston McKennie?